Forest Service Reopens Appalachian Trail on Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Post-Hurricane...
Contact Information: Gwen Mason, Public Affairs Officer gwendolyn.mason@usda.gov
Roanoke VA – December 13, 2024 - The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Supervisor has removed the Appalachian National Scenic
Trail on the Mount Rogers National Scenic Area from the Hurricane Helene Closure Order (08-08-00-25-4). This section of the A.T. is now open which has been closed since October 2, 2024, to protect public health and safety in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The Trail is now open from Elk Garden Trailhead
to the Virginia/Tennessee line.
The Trail has not returned to its pre-Helene condition, but major blowdowns have been removed and treadway issues have been sufficiently addressed. For 6/10ths of a mile, the Appalachian Trail coincides with the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail (FST 4575) and is open to hikers only. Hikers should
continue to exercise caution and stay up to date on Appalachian Trail conditions atappalachiantrail.org/helene.
“We are grateful for the public’s understanding and patience during this challenging time,” said ForestSupervisor Job Timm. “A.T. clubs and volunteers, together with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, helped clear debris where it was safe to do so, and our employees diligently worked to get this treasured trail back open for recreation on the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.”
“The 28 miles of A.T. between Elk Garden and the Tennessee border was heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene—in some areas there were hundreds of downed trees blocking the Trail in a single mile," said Kathryn Herndon-Powell, the ATC's Interim Regional Director of the Virginias. "Getting it cleared safely
in less than three months, with winter weather setting in, is a huge accomplishment. In addition to a heroic effort on the ground, this cleanup required tight coordination between ATC staff, U.S. Forest Service personnel on the Mount Rogers NRA, and Mount Rogers A.T. Club volunteers. Support poured in from people who love the Trail, and the Damascus area in particular, from far and wide. This disaster has shone a light on the strength of our local partnership as well as the larger community of A.T. supporters,
and I'm proud to be a part of both."
For further information, see the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests website.